come out and play (billie eilish christmas story)

8

"You're late," Billie commented, just as I had hoped she wouldn't. She didn't seem upset at all; a little smile turned up the corners of her lips, and her eyes shone behind her glasses, which she reached up to take off and place in her pocket the moment I sat opposite her.

"Sorry," I mumbled with a blush, pushing her drink to her, and taking a sip of my own to cover up my awkwardness.

Billie followed suit, her smile widening when she placed her cup down.

"Damn, baby. You make a good as shit peppermint mocha," She placed her elbows on the table and leaned forward, minimizing the space between us.

I smiled and looked down at the compliment, fingers fussing with the hem of my sweater. Baby. Fuck.

"Th-thank you," I stammered, taking a sip of my not-near-so-good drink. "I didn't know you were vegan," I added before it could get awkward.

Billie shrugged, seeming uninterested. "I've been vegan since I was, like, twelve? I dunno, I just feel like animals shouldn't have to deal with all the shit that humans put them through," She placed her chin on her hand, studying me.

I nodded. "I agree with that. I'm only vegetarian, though... I'd have a hard time to commit to veganism, to be honest. I rely on cheese and butter a little too heavily," I chuckled, scratching the back of my neck.

"Why won't you look at me?" Billie demanded suddenly. I glanced up briefly, startled.

"W-what do you mean? I am looking at you," I insisted, her intense scrutiny making me nervous and causing my eyes to bounce constantly from her to anything else I could look at.

"Not properly, you aren't. Look me in the eyes, Willow," She ordered, settling back in her chair to give me more room to breathe.

I inhaled deeply and forced myself to make eye contact, finding it even more difficult with the smug smirk Billie was currently donning. I made myself maintain it, my blush darkening with every moment we stared at each other, the tension growing, unspeaking.

Billie broke it by giggling. "You look like a little tomato, my God, you're adorable," She finally broke eye contact and gave me a few seconds to attempt to gather myself before she turned her attention to me again.

Stop, before I fall in love with you, I sighed mentally. One fucking week, Willow. Pull yourself together. You hardly know her, she could be a psychopath.

I searched desperately for a subject change, randomly stammering, "H-how many people will be at your house on S-Sunday?"

The disappointment was much more clear in Billie's expression this time, but like before, it was quickly wiped away.

She's gonna give up on me soon enough. I've really gotta show her I'm interested... but how?? I was so focused on my thoughts I almost missed Billie's response.

"Just my family," She said casually, slumping in her chair a little and looking out the window behind me.

"Um, how big is your family?" I questioned, trying to match her casual tone so that she wouldn't realize how badly I needed to know so I could mentally prepare myself.

She met my eyes again, and I made a point to hold her gaze, which was quickly abandoned when a little smirk lifted her lips.

"Well, my parents, my brother, and his girlfriend. And me," She counted, holding up five fingers. "Why? Are you nervous?"

I blushed, embarrassed but nodding nonetheless.

"Well, you don't have to be. Look at me," She said sternly, her voice switching back to its normal gentler tone when I obeyed, still flustered. "My family is super chill and they can't wait to meet you, Willow. Besides, if it's really bothering you, you can go home. I'll make up an excuse for you," She smiled sweetly, still holding my eyes with hers.

I shrugged, struggling to maintain the eye contact. "That feels kinda rude, though. I don't want you to think I don't appreciate it. Or your family. Because I do. So much," I admitted bashfully, looking away again.

Billie's sweet giggle made me relax. "Then you can hide in my room. You don't need to worry, precious," She reassured me, causing my heart to beat double time.

Billie and her goddamn pet names. However I was reluctant to admit, even to myself, how much I loved them.

"Thank you," I said quietly, taking the final sip from my drink to hide my current mentally scattered state.

Billie tilted her head at me, considering thoughtfully. "Why don't you come to my parents place right now? Almost everyone is there right now, except my brother's girlfriend. It'll be chill, you can say hi or whatever and then we can dip to my room and hang. Sound good?" She offered, although it didn't sound much like a question considering she immediately stood up and went to throw out her garbage, turning back to look at me expectantly.

Well, I guess it'll be alright, I thought, slightly reluctant in sympathy for my sobbing stomach.

"Okay, sure." I agreed, standing up to follow Billie.